Vetus BOW PRO Thrusters Installation & User Manual (PDF)

INSTALLATION MANUAL

Technical data, battery and fuse sizing, tunnel installation, electrical and V-CAN connection, protections, troubleshooting and service parts for the whole Vetus BOW PRO brushless proportional thruster range, BOWA0301 to BOWB420 (110 to 400 mm tunnels).

DocumentVetus BOW PRO Thrusters Installation & User Manual

FormatPDF · 58 pages · 15.9 MB

LanguageEnglish

Download PDF ▾

View Collection

Technical Data Batteries & Fuses Tunnel Installation Protection Troubleshooting Products

Vetus BOW PRO Thrusters — Installation & User Manual

This manual is split into 2 pages: Part 1 · Part 2 →

BOW PRO Technical Data

Model	Rated thrust	Tunnel	Supply	Motor	Current (In)	Power	Rating	Weight
BOWA0301	30 kgf (66 lbf)	110 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-1.2kW	174 A @ 12,0 V	2,1 kW	S2 - 10 min.	24 kg (53 lbs)
BOWA0304	30 kgf (66 lbf)	110 mm	48 V	EC 8VAC-1.2kW	45 A @ 48,0 V	2,1 kW	S2 - 10 min.	24 kg (53 lbs)
BOWA0361	36 kgf (79 lbf)	125 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-1.2kW	240 A @ 12,0 V	2,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	26 kg (57 lbs)
BOWA0364	36 kgf (79 lbf)	125 mm	48 V	EC 8VAC-1.2kW	61 A @ 48 V	2,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	26 kg (57 lbs)
BOWA0421	42 kgf (93 lbf)	125 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-2.7kW	218 A @ 12,0 V	2,6 kW	S2 - 10 min.	26 kg (57 lbs)
BOWA0401	40 kgf (88 lbf)	140 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-2.7kW	295 A @ 12,0 V	3,5 kW	S2 - 10 min.	31 kg (68 lbs)
BOWA0571	57 kgf (126 lbf)	150 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-2.7kW	295 A @ 12,0 V	3,5 kW	S2 - 10 min.	31 kg (68 lbs)
BOWA0574	57 kgf (126 lbf)	150 mm	48 V	EC 15VAC-3.1kW	72 A @ 48 V	4,0 kW	S2 - 10 min.	31 kg (68 lbs)
BOWB057	57 kgf (126 lbf)	150 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-3.1kW	141 A @ 24,0 V	4,0 kW	S2 - 10 min.	31 kg (68 lbs)
BOWA0651	65 kgf	185 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-2.7kW	237 A @ 12,0 V	2,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWA0761	76 kgf (168 lbf)	185 mm	12 V	EC 8VAC-2.7kW	322 A @ 12,0 V	3,9 kW	S2 - 5 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWA0764	76 kgf (tech data: 900 N / 90 kgf, as printed)	185 mm	48 V	EC 15VAC-3.1kW	82 A @ 48,0 V	3,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWB065	65 kgf (143 lbf)	185 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-3.1kW	119 A @ 12,0 V (as printed)	2,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWB076	76 kgf (168 lbf)	185 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-3.1kW	166 A @ 24,0 V	3,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWB090	90 kgf (198 lbf)	185 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-5.7kW	192 A @ 24,0 V	4,6 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWB110	110 kgf (tech data: 900 N / 90 kgf, as printed)	185 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-5.7kW	288 A @ 24,0 V	6,9 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWB130	130 kgf (286 lbf)	185 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-5.7kW	300 A @ 24,0 V	7,2 kW	S2 - 10 min.	35 kg (77 lbs)
BOWB150	150 kgf (330 lbf)	250 mm	24 V	EC 15VAC-5.7kW	242 A @ 24,0 V	5,8 kW	S2 - 6 min.	42 kg (93 lbs)
BOWB180	180 kgf (396 lbf)	250 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC-11kW	238 A @ 44 V	10,5 kW	S2 - 10 min.	44.5 kg (98 lbs)
BOWB210	210 kgf (463 lbf)	250 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC-11kW	275 A @ 44 V	12,1 kW	S2 - 10 min.	44.5 kg (98 lbs)
BOWB285	285 kgf	300 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC 18.4kW	365A @48V	17,5 kW	S2 - 10 min.	72 kg (159 lbs)
BOWB300	300 kgf	300 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC 18.4kW	378A @48V	18,17 kW	S2 - 10 min.	72 kg (159 lbs)
BOWB320	320 kgf	300 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC 18.4kW	390A @48V	18,7 kW	S2 - 10 min.	72 kg (159 lbs)
BOWB385	385 kgf	400 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC 18.4kW	480A @48V	23 kW	S2 - 6 min.	120 kg (265 lbs)
BOWB420	420 kgf	400 mm	48 V	AC 29VAC 18.4kW	520A @ 48V	24,9 kW	S2 - 6 min.	120 kg (265 lbs)

All models: IP44, insulation class F, bevel gear with helical teeth in an oil bath (outboard gear oil SAE80W or EP 90), 6-blade asymmetrical polyacetal (Delrin) propeller (3 blades on BOWB385 and BOWB420), control circuit blade fuse ‘ATO’ 5 A. Rating S2 ‘t’ min. = activation time ‘t’ min. continuously or a max. of ‘t’ min. per hour at maximum power. Weights exclude the thrust tunnel.

B (Boosted) models up to BOWB210 have an integrated battery charger: 12 V / 80 A (BOWB057–BOWB150) or 24 V / 80 A (BOWB180, BOWB210). BOWB285–BOWB420 (MCVB600 controller): current boosted charge 120A @ 24V (maximum).
MCVB boosted charge function: the 48 Volt motor can be used in an existing 24 V on-board grid; the 24 Volt bank connected to the boosted charge connection charges the 48 Volt bank, no extra charger needed. As standard it is only suitable for lead acid batteries.

Battery Capacity and Fuses

Model	Battery capacity required	Main fuse (slow blow)	Thruster fuse (slow blow)
BOWA0301	1 x 90 Ah - 12 V	250 A – ZE250	200 A – ZE200
BOWA0304	4 x 60 Ah - 12 V	100 A – ZE100	80 A – ZE80
BOWA0361	1 x 170 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWA0364	4 x 60 Ah - 12 V	125 A – ZE125	100 A – ZE100
BOWA0421	1 x 145 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWA0401	1 x 145 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWA0571	1 x 185 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWA0574	4 x 60 Ah - 48 V (as printed)	125 A – ZE125	100 A – ZE100
BOWB057	2 x 90 Ah - 12 V	250 A – ZE250	200 A – ZE200
BOWA0651	1 x 170 Ah - 12 V	300 A – ZE300	250 A – ZE250
BOWA0761	1 x 200 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWA0764	4 x 60 Ah - 12 V	125 A – ZE125	100 A – ZE100
BOWB065	2 x 90 Ah - 12 V	200 A – ZE200	160 A – ZE160
BOWB076	2 x 90 Ah - 12 V	250 A – ZE250	200 A – ZE200
BOWB090	2 x 145 Ah - 12 V	250 A – ZE250	200 A – ZE200
BOWB110	2 x 170 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWB130	2 x 185 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWB150	2 x 170 Ah - 12 V	355 A – ZE355	300 A – ZE300
BOWB180	4 x 185 Ah - 12 V	300 A – ZE300	250 A – ZE250
BOWB210	4 x 185 Ah - 12 V	300 A – ZE300	250 A – ZE250
BOWB285	4 x 220 Ah - 12 V	–	425 A – ZE425
BOWB300	4 x 220 Ah - 12 V	–	425 A – ZE425
BOWB320	4 x 220 Ah - 12 V	–	425 A – ZE425
BOWB385	4 x 220 Ah - 12 V	–	500 A – ZE500
BOWB420	4 x 220 Ah - 12 V	–	500 A – ZE500

Cable cross-section depends on the total length of plus and minus cable; each installation manual has the full table (from 25 mm2 up to 2 x 150 mm2). With a larger battery capacity the thruster performs even better.
Main fuse in the positive cable before the main switch, as close to the battery as possible; main switch in the positive cable (BATSW250, or 2-pole BATSW250T). Fuse holder: ZEHC100.
The thruster fuse sits on the controller in the connection unit and must always be present; replace only with the same rating.
Give each thruster its own battery bank close to it. Use only sealed batteries (e.g. Vetus SMF or AGM) if they share the thruster compartment.
Vetus maintenance-free batteries: 55 Ah, 70 Ah, 90 Ah, 108 Ah, 120 Ah, 143 Ah, 165 Ah, 200 Ah and 225 Ah.
For battery cables > 70 mm2 (OD > 17 mm, 11/16") use the BOWHPCK high power connection set (M10 bolts).

Tunnel Position and Hull Connection

Place the tunnel as far forward as possible. Distance A in the drawing at least 0.5 x D; tunnel length B between 2 x D and 4 x D.
A stern thruster can be added; two thrusters in tandem suit large boats. Do not fit 2 thrusters in one tunnel: it does not double the thrust.
Motor can be mounted in various positions; support it if horizontal or angled, keep it clear of the maximum bilge water level, and never let the tailpiece protrude from the tunnel end.
Hull connection: abrupt is reasonable, rounded (R about 0.1 x D) is better, sloping sides C of 0.1 to 0.15 x D are best. A fairing of length L between 1 x D and 3 x D lowers drag.
Grid bars only where strictly necessary: rectangular section, never round, perpendicular to the expected waveform, overlapping, no more than shown.
No copper-based antifouling; keep the zinc anode. On steel or aluminium tunnels insulate bolts and shaft (e.g. nylon bushes) from the tunnel.
GRP tunnel: roughen down to the glass fibre, laminate with isophtalic polyester resin, seal sawn ends with resin; treat the wet side with epoxy or 2-component polyurethane paint.

Tunnel	Steel O.D. / wall	Composite (GRP) O.D. / wall	Aluminium O.D. / wall
110 mm	121 mm / 4.5 mm	121 mm / 5 mm	120 mm / 4 mm
125 mm	133 mm / 4 mm	136 mm / 5 mm	135 mm / 5 mm
140 mm	152,4 mm / 4,5 mm	152,4 mm / 5,3 mm	152,4 mm / 5 mm
150 mm	159 mm / 4,5 mm	161.6 mm / 5 mm	160 mm / 5 mm
185 mm	193.7 mm / 5,6 mm	194.1 mm / 5 mm	196 mm / 5,5 mm
250 mm	267 mm / 7.1 mm	265.6 mm / 6.2 mm	264 mm / 7 mm
300 mm	318 mm / 7,5 mm	323 mm / 9 mm	320 mm / 10 mm
400 mm	420 mm / 10 mm	420 mm / 10 mm	420 mm / 10 mm

Each installation manual includes a 1:1 drilling template for the intermediate flange holes: print at 100%, check the scale and centre the pattern exactly on the tunnel centreline.

Mechanical

Tailpiece: shim plate in place, one packing between tailpiece and tunnel, sealant (polyurethane e.g. Sikaflex-292, or silicone) on both faces.
Grease the intermediate flange hole and all bolt threads with outboard gear grease (Vetus Shipping Grease VSG).
Propeller on a greased shaft; it must run at least 1.5 mm (1/16") clear of the tunnel wall all round.
Slide the flexible coupling so the spindle end aligns with the flange underside, tighten the lock screw; grease the input shaft with Molykote G-n plus; mount the motor and check the propeller turns easily by hand.
Check for leaks as soon as the boat is relaunched.

Electrical

Feed the battery cables through the cover glands, fit terminals and connect to the motor controller; fit the supplied spacer on the negative terminal (not on external-connection models).
Tightening torque in the motor controller: max. 10 Nm (7 ft-lbf); cable terminals 8 - 10 Nm (6 - 7 ft-lbf).
Supplied configured as a bow thruster; set the switch inside the cover for a stern thruster.
CAN bus supply always 12 Volt (≥10 V, ≤16 V), e.g. via the E-DRIVE MPE1KB key switch; max. 40 metres network; terminating resistor at both ends; supply preferably mid-system.
All DC negatives to one central point; with a DC/DC converter for the CAN bus, input and output minus must be jumpered.
Check all electrical connections after 14 days.

Built-in Protections

APB (Active Power Balancing): thrust maintained as battery voltage drops; ACC (Automatic Current Control) limits power if current rises too high.
AVC (Active Voltage Control): power reduced at 10,5 Volts on a 12 Volt system (21 V at 24 V); the thruster stops at about 10 volts (about 20 V for 24 V).
ATB (Active Temperature Balancing): output reduced slightly after very long continuous use; ABC (Active Blockage Control): motor switches off on a sudden overload such as an object in the tunnel.
On a fault the panel sounds didahdididah (. -.. -) once and its LED flashes red; when cleared it sounds didi (..). The motor indicator LEDs show over-temperature, over-current/short circuit, battery voltage, blocked motor, general error, CAN communication and power reduction.
No carbon brushes, so maintenance is minimal; see the Maintenance and Warranty Book.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Check
Motor does not run	Battery main switch ON; battery voltage 10.5 - 14.4 V (12 V), 21.0 - 28.8 V (24 V), 42.0 - 57.6 V (48 V); control current fuse, CAN bus supply fuse and main fuses (POWER LED off in these cases); overload; propeller free to turn.
Motor turns slowly	Motor or controller too hot (reduced power); weed or fishing line in the propeller.
Control panel fuse blown	Short circuit in the operating circuit; check the wiring.
Motor runs, no thrust	Propeller blades damaged; drive pin broken (replace it and check the hub). The BOWB150 has no drive pin.
Panel does not switch on	Press on/off a second time within 6 seconds; the joystick must be centred when pressing on/off.
CAN bus	Supply on and 12VDC; both terminating resistors in place (old supplies have one built in); connectors clicked home; correct cables; network ≤ 40 meters; each node powered (pin 1 = 12 VDC positive, pin 3 = neutral).
Installation	Thruster supply voltage at the controller terminals; configured as bow or stern; cable sizes and routing (cables must not press on the circuit board); spacer on the negative lug; glands tight; white thermal sensor connector and the 5 A controller fuse in place.